We are officially one week away from the start of the 2022 NFL draft, meaning you’ll only have to endure a few more days of mock drafts.
The Falcons own the No. 8 overall pick and have five total selections in the first three rounds. In our latest seven-round projection, Atlanta trades back five spots and selects a new franchise quarterback.
TRADE ALERT: Falcons swap picks with Texans
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Picks traded: 8, 82, 114, 152
Picks acquired: 13, 37, 68
When we got to pick No. 8, the top three edge rushers were already off the board along with cornerback Ahmad Gardner and safety Kyle Hamilton. Had I stayed at eight, Malik Willis would have been the pick, although I decided to see if I could get a little more value by moving down.
The trade sent Atlanta’s No. 8 selection — along with picks 82, 114 and 151 — to Houston in exchange for picks 13, 37 and 68. So the Falcons basically get an early second-round pick and move up 14 spots in round three.
Round 1 (No. 13): QB Malik Willis – Liberty
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Willis gives the franchise a clear direction for the future but doesn’t have to play this season. The Atlanta native has a rocket for an arm and the kind of elusiveness that will remind fans of Michael Vick. Willis has the highest upside of any QB in the class, but he must get better at seeing the whole field. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith can coach up the Liberty standout while sitting behind Marcus Mariota until he’s ready.
Round 2 (No. 37): EDGE David Ojabo – Michigan
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Ojabo was a likely top-10 pick before tearing his Achilles during the draft process. He has the kind of explosiveness that can’t be taught, plus he can bend the edge well for a player with such limited experience.
“Ojabo had played only 26 career snaps before 2021, but he made his presence felt…
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